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davantalus wrote:• Typical cave clothing? (I've caved in everything from t-shirt to wetsuit, but don't really know what to pack.)
• Gear OTHER than typical frog/rescue items? For instance does everyone in KY use a Pantin for some reason?
• Descender of choice? Do folks use fullsized racks because of mud or something?
• Flora / Fauna issues? What's the best way to deal with ticks? I'm pretty sure I'll spot poison ivy (rather than oak?) a mile away?
• Mud? What's the best way to deal with it?
• Comfort items? Bug nets? Small items that improve your quality of life?
• Will I see another bat sticker on the freeway? That would blow my mind.
caver.adam wrote:If you're in the normal areas of Mammoth you should be fine with anything that can handle 58 degree temperatures (I cave in short sleeves and pants).
Scott McCrea wrote:Cave clothing, bring layers.
GroundquestMSA wrote:There are some who claim that DEET based tick repellents are ineffective, and to an extent they are right. There has been an incredible increase in the number of larval ticks in eastern US forests over the past five years. These little tiny things don't mind swarming over DEET-soaked clothing and skin. I have not used supposedly more effective Permethrin-based tick treatments because they are expensive. I spend a huge amount of time in the woods, and have come to accept that ticks will get on me. You can normally catch the adults with a careful check, but if you get into larvae you will have perhaps hundreds of almost invisible ticks crawling on you, and can only wash thoroughly and hope for the best. In the worst case, these larval ticks, which are unlikely to carry disease at this point in their lifespan, will have their meal and drop off to molt and you'll be a speck of blood less.
GroundquestMSA wrote:I have found DEET-based repellents to be TOTALLY useless for keeping mud away. Wash it off of you with water.
GroundquestMSA wrote:My turn. Is there really no mud out there? Are you only doing lava caves?
caver.adam wrote:The biggest open air pit in KY is 170ish feet and is fairly close to Mammoth.
Scott McCrea wrote:I'll be instructing at NCRC. Not sure what level, but it could be level 2. I don't know yet...
Scott McCrea wrote:Mud, just accept it and love it. It's just part of it. It will affect everyone. We can allsufferlove it together.
CaverScott wrote:I caved in Lilburn before Mammoth and didn't notice much mud; however, Kentucky has plenty to go around!
CaverScott wrote:Beer (the county is dry)
CaverScott wrote:Allow enough time to cross the green river on the ferry if you staying on that side of the river.
Scott McCrea wrote:Can't wait to see everyone in KY!
Scott McCrea wrote:I'll be instructing at NCRC. Not sure what level, but it could be level 2. I don't know yet...
Caving Guru wrote:Scott McCrea wrote:I'll be instructing at NCRC. Not sure what level, but it could be level 2. I don't know yet...
According to the NCRC National Weeklong Training Seminar Facebook Page (posted on April 21st), you will be instructing TOFE (Team Operations and Field Exercises).
Scott McCrea wrote:Caving Guru wrote:Scott McCrea wrote:I'll be instructing at NCRC. Not sure what level, but it could be level 2. I don't know yet...
According to the NCRC National Weeklong Training Seminar Facebook Page (posted on April 21st), you will be instructing TOFE (Team Operations and Field Exercises).
TOFE was cancelled yesterday. Not enough signed up to efficiently and safely run evolutions and scenarios. Oh well, maybe next year.
davantalus wrote:I'll be attending NCRC Level 2 in Kentucky this year and don't have any idea what to expect from Mammoth Cave NP.
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